Soggy the Bear

Philip Moran’s story was prompted by the rescue, whilst he was out fishing off the Cornish coast, of a water-logged, scarcely floating teddy bear. From this curious moment, Moran constructs a before and after that takes the adult and child reader through an arc of emotion from sunny warmth through anxiety and real fear to relief and safety. The story is beautifully and movingly illustrated by Michael Foreman, illustrator of many internationally acclaimed titles. The combination of the direct text, with a universal message of safety by the sea, and the rich, sensitive illustration make for a must have children’s picture book.